The Oscar nominee is getting awards season buzz all over again for his atypical turn as an English professor and high-stakes gambler in the character study co-starring Jessica Lange, Brie Larson, and John Goodman.

For Holland, who is known for his prolific New York stage career (including "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" on Broadway), "42" marks a big moment. We chatted with the actor about how he landed the part, making the film, and what he learned along the way.